There’s no doubt that designer Shamsa Alabbar has shaped the jewellery space in the UAE into what we know it today.

Having launched her eponymous brand in 2013, Shamsa Alabbar has only gone from strength to strength creating cutting-edge pieces at the forefront of design.

When did you launch your eponymous jewellery brand?

The brand was launched unintentionally in 2013, through an Instagram post of pieces I designed and gifted to my friend Alia on her birthday. Since then, the brand has grown tremendously in terms of variety in collections, and designs.

What was the inspiration behind your label?

Shamsa Alabbar collections are designed around the contemporary Arab woman. She is modern, minimal, and proud of who she is and where she comes from. You have been a pioneer in the jewellery space in this region.

How does it feel to be at the forefront of design? I hold so much pride in that and hope my journey will inspire others to do what they love.

To you, what does Shamsa Alabbar fine jewellery represent?

This experimental brand represents people who appreciate art and design and people who are not afraid of change or being different.

What sets your jewellery apart from other brands?

What sets any brand apart from others is attention to detail, quality and coming from a graphic design background I would definitely say a strong brand identity is key!

What excites you about the fashion industry in the UAE and the GCC region?

The fashion industry has been booming in the region and what excites me is seeing an increase in fashion and design appreciators.

You’ve clearly worked incredibly hard to get where you are today, where do you get your motivation from?

I think when what you do for a living is your passion, you will definitely always be motivated.

What advice do you wish you had received at the beginning of your journey to success?

Take more risks!

Looking back over your career, can you tell us about some of the hurdles you’ve had to overcome?

One of my biggest challenges was balancing motherhood and work. Another challenge was the unknown of lockdown and COVID-19 – I’m grateful to have passed that! And lastly, I would say using my graphic design skill to create a jewellery brand and learning from it day by day.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are your top three milestones from your career, so far?

Celebrating our ninth year is one of our biggest accomplishments and I take so much pride in it. Launching our online store and choosing to open a store and show at Expo 2020 made my year.

This is The Pioneer Issue – to you, what does it take to be a pioneer?

Confidence and hard work.

October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

Images: Supplied